Juneau

Named after the gold prospector who founded the city in 1880, Juneau is surrounded by stunning glacial landscapes and waterways filled with diverse wildlife. For a state capital, Juneau is refreshingly secluded, perched on the Gastineau Channel beneath Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, only accessible by air or sea. Most visitors arrive by ferry or on a cruise of Inside Passage and the city is a good base for exploring Glacier Bay National Park.

For the best views of the surrounding Chilkat Mountains, take the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway 500 metres above the city. The downtown area has several historical attractions, including Alaska State Museum, the State Capitol, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, and the historic buildings and restaurants of South Franklin Street.

A highlight of the region is Mendenhall Glacier, flowing from the Juneau Icefield just outside the city. The glacier, icefield and surrounding Tongass National Forest can be explored on hikes or view the extraordinary panorama from above on a flightseeing tour. Another popular glacier excursion is the sheer-sided Tracy Arm, 50 miles south-east of Juneau.